NEW Award: FRC WOOKIEE OF THE YEAR presented by 3481 Bronc Botz

[Michael Blake]

Originally Posted by hardcopi

That is a great idea. This year we are helping out a couple of teams, both have been around a while (one 2 years and the other over 10). The 2 year team has been struggling and the 10 year team lost its main mentor this year (he went to work for Dean) and they have always had a high turnover in mentors.

These kids are every bit as dedicated as the big teams but do not have the resources. In a lot of ways it takes more determination to show up knowing you are going to be hard pressed against the big teams.

Hi Rich!

THANKS for the compliment!

This entire endeavor has been eye-opening this season... last season we started mentoring teams but after a first one-on-one meeting it was almost entirely done over phone calls, email, texts and you end up helping _some_ but not being truly effective with these teams.

This season we decided to step it up and get very hands-on IF the teams would show the interest and commitment to travel to our shop.

The things we've learned about attitudes, approaches, expectations, resources, drive--that varies so greatly among teams has been a real eye-opener.

It's been more a challenge than I thought it would be to know how to effectively mentor each team as each one has its' own vibe and "chemistry" but also has been very rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Hopefully, with what we've learned this season next season we'll be more effective mentors/helpers.

--Michael Blake